Strip feeding mechanism



A ril 2, 1957 A. w. METZNER 2,787,215

STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 19, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ALBERT W.METZNER smwmm ATTORNE April 2, 1957 NE 2,787,215

STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 19, 1952 3 Shets-Sheec 2 IN VEN TOR.

AL BERT W. METZNER L? y BYQQPWUFMW ATTORNEY K April 2, 1957 A. w. METZNER 2,787,215

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INl-"ENTOR. ALBERT W. METZNER MENU ATTORNEY United States Patent STRIP FEEDING MECHANESM Albert W. Metzner, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to The Standardogiegister Company, Dayton, Ghio, a corporation 0 Application November 19, 1952, Serial No. 321,527

11 Claims. (Cl. 101288) This invention relates to the recording apparatus, and more particularly to a strip feeding attachment for a recording. device such as a check signing machine.

Check signing machines and like devices are known, wherein checks or other record forms are inserted by hand in the machine which prints on or impresses in the in the form a signature or other indicia or both. A replaceable electrotype or signature plate in the machine effects the recording. The recording operation itself is usually an automatic one, initiated by a pressure sensi five member in the machine engaged by the record form as it is inserted therein.

The principal utility of recording machines as described is of course in connection with large volume work, as for example in an industrial pay roll wherein large numbers of checks are issued at frequent intervals. Using the machine in the manner described, however, is not entirely satisfactory. Thus, hand feeding and withdrawing of the checks involves the full time attention of an operator, and the possibility of error is always present, as Well as a likelihood of smudging or misprinting if continuous care in handling is not exercised. Moreover, single hand feeding is not well adapted to systems using manifold check units, each comprising a plurality of check forms and interleaved transfer material. The problem of handling is accentuated, and there is further in troduced the problem of obtaining accurate registration of overlying parts of the manifold form in recording position.

The instant invention proposes a modification in structure and mode of use of the conventional recording device whereby it may act upon series connected checks or record forms in a continuous strip.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction. as well as the means and mode of operation of a recording device as disclosed herein, whereby such de vice may'not only be economically manufactured, but will be more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of uses, having relatively few parts and be unlikely to get out of repair.

An object of the invention is to incorporate a recording device as described in a system operating upon and controlled by record forms comprised in a continuous record strip, such system including for example tabulators, addressors and typewriting machines, as well as bursting or separating devices for detaching the record forms from the strip when they have been fully filled out.

Another object of the invention is to adapt a small, portable check signer or like device for use with a continuous record strip.

A further object of the invention .is to modify a check signer or like device as described without alteration in the parts of the existing device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for an intermittent actuation of the aforementioned pressure sensitive member in the recording device, auto- Cir 2,787,215 Patented Apr. 2, 1957 matically and in predetermined timed relation to advancement of the strip.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for positive feed and accurate registration through the use of pin type feeding devices engaging marginal perforations in the strip.

Still another object of the invention is to supply a supplemental, or alternative, feed for check signing and like recording machine in the form of a strip feeding attachment which embodies in a unitary structure, strip feeding and guiding devices, and linkage operated by the crank mechanism for initiating recording operations of the recording machine.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for simplified adjustment of the strip feeding attachment to accommodate strips of varying Width and strips of varying form lengths, as regards the record forms comprised therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a recording apparatus possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the mode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein is found the preferred but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

Fig. l is a top plan View of a recording apparatus in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the in vention;

Fig. 2 is a. view of the recording apparatus in side elevation;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, taken from the opposite side of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a view of the strip feeding attachment in end elevation;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in cross section, taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section, taken substantially along the line 6-6 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 7 is a detail view in perspective of the linkage for operating the recording machine electric switch control.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, strip feeding apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention is adapted for use with a commercially available recording device known as a check signer. Such device includes a body portion It) and an overlying cover portion 11. The portions ll) and 11 are hinged at the back of the device in such manner as to present in effect a lateral slot 12 in the device opening through the front and the op posite sides thereof. A recess is provided in the bottom of the cover portion ll wherein a replaceable electrotype or signature platelS, is a vertically reciprocable platen (not shown). As indicated in Fig. 3, an inking ribbon 14 is arranged to traverse a path between the signature plate .13 and the platen. Thus, if a record form or check is interposed between the platen and the ribbon 14, actuation of the platen toward the signature plate 13 will result in the check form and the ribbon being pressed against the signature plate in consequence of which the check form is imprinted with the indicia embossed on the signature plate.

Actuation of the platen in the check signer is accomplished by making the platen a part of a solenoid mechanism which is in turn a part of a normally open electrical circuit including switch contacts 15 and 16 (see Figs. 4 and 7). Contact 15 is mounted on a stationary arm 17. Contact 16 is mounted on a flexible arm 18 biased in a direction to separate the contacts 15 and 16. The contacts 15 and 16 are closed to initiate a cycle of operation of the recording device by a pawl 19 which has a hooked portion 21 engaging the upper end of the flexible arm 18. The pawl 19 is pivotally connected to one end of a lever 22 pivotally mounted intermediate its end on a stud 23. Motion of the lever 22 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 7 results in the flexible arm 18 being pulled by the pawl 19 toward the arm 17. In the course of such motion contacts 15 and 16 are engaged with one another and an electrical circuit closed through the solenoid mechanism previously referred to.

Continued motion of the lever 22 beyond that necessary to engage contacts 15 and 16 is possible since the hooked portion 21 of pawl 19 may ride upward over the upper end of the flexible arm 18. In the event of such action, which may be intentionally provided for to avoid prolonged energizing of the solenoid coil, the flexible arm 18 is free to return to its normally biased position, thus separating the contacts 15 and 16 and interrupting the electrical circuit even though the pressure sensitive lever 22 be held actuated. The lever 22 is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a tension spring 24 which tends to restore and to maint in the lever and pawl 19 in the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 7. The upper end of the lever 22 projects into the slot 12 at the rear thereof. Its construction and arrangement is such that a check form inserted through the front of the slot 12 will engage a serrated ed e 25 of the lever 22 and rock the lever in a clockwise direction with the results above described. After imprinting is effected, and the check form is Withdrawn, the lever 22 is restored in a counter-clockwise direction by the spring 24, also as before described.

The normal manner of use of the recording or check si ning device is accordingly one providing for manual insertion of individual check forms, through the front of the slot 12. The instant invention proposes a modified or alternative manner of use whereby a continuous strip of series connected check forms is fed transversely through the slot 12 or from side to side thereof.

A strip feeding attachment is contemplated, comprising a plate 26 received in the slot 12 and detachably secured to the recording device, as by screws 27. The plate 26 is generally rectangular in shape, projecting at its opposite ends beyond the sides of the slot 12 and projecting also from the front of the slot. At its one end the plate 26 is formed with a rounded bead 28 around which the record strip, indicated at 29, may pass to a position of rest on top of the plate 26. As shown in Fig. 2, the strip 29 may be initially folded as a pack 31, along transverse weakened division lines, and occupy a position beneath the head end of the plate 26. The leading end of the strip 29 is directed from the pack 31 around the head 28 and beneath a lateral guide finger 32 toward the recording device, the finger 32 being suitably fastened to the side edge of the plate 26. The plate 26 functions as a support or table for the strip 29 which passes through the slot 12, and through the recording station therein represented by the location of the signature plate 13, and out of the slot 12 toward the opposite end of the table. At the recording station so identified, the plate or table 26 is formed with a cut out or recess 33 to allow freedom of access of the platen which is in the body portion of the recording device, to the ribbon 14 and the electrotype 13 which are in the cover portion 11 of the recording device.

The strip 29 is formed with a series of marginal perforations 34. At the 'far end of the table 26, or that end opposite the head 28, are pin wheels 35 mounting pins 36 having feeding engagement with the perforations 34 The pin wheels 35 are mounted on a shaft 37 journaled between dependent side flanges or Walls 38 and 39 on the table 26. The pin wheels are connected to shaft 37 for unison rotation with the shaft, as through keys 41. The left hand pin wheel 35 (as seen in Fig. 4) further is connected to the shaft 37 by a set screw 42 so that this pin wheel may be adjusted laterally or in a longitudinal sense with respect to the shaft 37. The right hand pin wheel is relatively fixed. The pair of pin wheels 35 thus may be made to occupy positions closer to or more distant from one another in order to accommodate record strips of different Widths.

The pins 36 on the right hand pin wheel 35 pro ect through a slot 43 in the table 26. The corresponding pins on the left hand pin Wheel project through a slot 44 in the table, the latter slot being made wide to allow the described lateral adjustment of the pin wheel. The perforated margins of the strip 29 are held in engagement with the pins 36 by slotted hold down fingers 45 and 46 attached to a cross bar 47 pivotally mounted between the side walls 38 and 39. The finger 46 is attached to the bar 47 by means of a pin 48 and a slot 49 whereby such finger may be laterally adjusted in urnson with the adjustable pin wheel 35. Also attached to the bar 47 is a relatively long hold down finger 51 which extends toward the opposite end of the table 26 and assists in holding the strip 29 flat upon the table, particularly in the region of its passage through the slot 12 of the recording device.

It will be understood that in response to rotation of the shaft 37 the wheels 35 also turn, with the result that the pins 36 make successive and progressive engagement with the perforations 34. The strip 29 is thereby compelled to advance over the table 26, relatively to the recording device, the check forms comprising the strip being brought successively to recording position in the device.

The shaft 37 is turned by a crank, suitably hand or motor powered. In the illustrated instance, a crank 52 located outside the side flange or wall 39 is used. One end of the handle 52 has a splined connection with a stub shaft 53 and is locked to such shaft by opposing washers 54 and 55 and an end screw 56. The shaft 53 extends through an opening 57 in the side wall 39 and is rotatably mounted in a bearing 58. On its inner end, with respect to the wall 39, the shaft 53 has a similar splined connection with a pinion or gear 59 meshing with another gear 61 fast on the shaft 37. Turning motion of the crank 52 is accordingly effective through the stub shaft 53 and gears 59 and 61 to rotate the shaft 37.

The opening 57 in the side wall 39 is relatively long and narrow. The bearing 58, which is received in such opening, accordingly is slidable so that it may be selectively located to achieve proper meshing engagement of the gear 59 with the gear 61. A portion 62 of the bearing is in overlapping relation to the opening 57, as is a clamp 63 on the opposite side of wall 39. A screw 64 interconnects the portion 62 and clamp 63, loosening of the screw enabling the bearing 58 to be moved to a new position of adjustment in the opening 57. By reason of the adjustable mounting of the bearing 58, gears 59 of different size may be used in the assembly, such gears being selected to achieve a predetermined extent of travel of the strip for each revolution of the crank handle 52. The predetermined extent of travel of the strip may, for example, be that required to advance the strip one form length relatively to the recording position in the recording device. Hence the adjustable mounting for the bearing 58 allows the strip feeding apparatus to be readily adjusted to feed a strip wherein the form lengths are greater or lesser than the form lengths of the strip previously acted upon.

The crank 52 is suitably controlled so that its movements will occur in accurately defined increments, each effecting a desired uniform increment of advance of the record strip. In the present instance such increment is one full revolution. At its outer or free end the crank is formed with a lateral cylindrical extension 65 having a through bore '66 and counterbore 67. The bore 66 mounts a plunger 68 having an annular flange 69 adapted to seat in the bottom of counterbore 67. The outer end of the counterbore receives a bushing 71 with a press fit through which the outer end of the plunger 68 projects into a press fit with a solid filler member 72. A sleeve or handle 73 surrounds the extension 65 and receives the filler member 72 in its counterbored outer end, the filler member and sleeve being detachably connected, as by staking or the like. A compression spring 74- is interposed between the flange 69 and the bushing 71 and tends to maintain the parts in the position illustrated in Fig. 6, with the handle 73 and the plunger 68, which have a unitary relationship, in a leftward or extended position. The handle sleeve 73 is arranged to be grasped in the hand and thereby moved axially to a retracted position, along with the plunger 68.

The plunger 68 projects through and beyond the crank 52 and has a reduced diameter extension 75 adapted to enter a detent opening 76 in the side wall '39. Along one side of the opening 76 is an upstanding flange wall 77. Fig. 6 illustrates the parts in normal or home position, the plunger extension 75 being received in the opening 76 and so locking the crank 52 against movement. To initiate a cycle of operation, the handle sleeve 73 is retracted a distance sufiicient to enable the plunger extension 75 to clear the flange wall 77. Then the crank may be turned through a full revolution, in the course of which the holding pressure applied to the handle sleeve 73 may be relaxed. The plunger extension then rides along the surface of the wall 39 during the continued rotation of the crank, and, near the end of the cycle of motion, drops into the opening 76. The flange wall 77 serves as an abutment, positively to arrest the plunger in the event it tends to overtravel the opening 76 as a result of the rapid turning motion of the crank.

The operation of the crank mechanism is utilized to effect imprinting operations of the recording device in synchronism with movement of the crank. It is contemplated and proposed that since each check form arrives in recording position at the same time that the crank 52 arrives in home position, then the return of the crank to home position shall initiate the recording operation. As seen in Fig. 7, the lower end of the switch actuating lever 22 is provided with a stud 78 engaged by one leg of a U-shaped actuator '79. The other leg of such actuator is rigidly connected to a collar 81 on one end of a rod 82, having a rotatable mounting in brackets 83 on the table 26. Near its opposite end the rod 82 has a radially projecting arm or fin 84 which extends downward in generally parallel relation to the side wall 39 to a position adjacent to and in line with the opening 76. When the crank 52 is in home position, the plunger or plunger extension 75 engages the fin 84, rocking the fin and associated linkage in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7, and thereby eifecting a similar motion of the lever 22. In response to such motion, as has previously been seen, the pawl 19 is pulled in a manner initially effecting engagement of the contacts 15 and 16 and then allowing such contacts to separate.

In the operation of the apparatus, therefore, when the plunger 68 is withdrawn from the opening 76, the fin 84 and associated parts are allowed to follow such motion under the urging of the spring 24. The assembly assumes the position shown in full lines in Fig. 7 with the contacts l and 16 separated and the flexible arm 18 engaged by the hooked portion 21 of the pawl 19 in position to be flexed toward the stationary arm 17 in response to a pulling motion of the pawl. Upon return of the crank mechanism to home position, the plunger extension 75 reengages and rocks the tin 84, such fin and associated parts moving to the dotted line position of Fig. 7. In the course of such movement, the arm 18 is moved to engage the contacts 15 and 16 and an imprinting operation results as before described. As such movement is continued, the pawl 19 rides up out of engaging relation with the arm 18 whereupon this arm returns to its normal position, interrupting the circuit established by the closing of the contacts 15 and 16 and freeing the strip for the next advance by the strip feeding apparatus. The parts remain so positioned until again conditioned for operation by withdrawal of the plunger 68 at the start of the next succeeding cyclic operation.

It will be understood that the springs 24 and 74 are in opposing relation with the spring 74 being relatively stronger so as to hold the lever 22 actuatedagainst the urging of spring 24 except when the crank handle sleeve 73 is retracted.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting. the invention into effect.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Recording apparatus, including a selectively operable recording device, a control member effective when actuated to operate said recording device, said member being so located as to be engaged and actuated by a record form inserted in said device, other means for actuating said control member, strip feeding devices for moving series connected record forms successively to said recording device, and means responsive to operation of said strip feeding devices for operating said other means.

2, Recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said last named means is constructed and arranged to operate said other means concomitantly with arrival of each successive record form in a recording position in said recording device.

3. Recording apparatus, including a selectively operable recording device, a pressure sensitive control member effective when actuated to operate said recording device, a recording area in said device into which said control member extends, said member being arranged to be actuated by the pressure of record forms inserted in said recording area from one direction, strip feeding devices for moving series connected record forms successively into and out of said recording position in a direction substantially at right angles to said one direction, and an actuating connection between said strip feeding devices and said control member.

4. Recording apparatus according to claim 3 characterized in that said connection is arranged to actuate said control member substantially coincidentally with arrival of each successive record form in recording position.

5. Recording apparatus, including a recording device, a record form receiving slot in said device opening to the front thereof and to opposite sides, record forms being insertable by hand through the front of said device, mechanical means for feeding a strip of series connected record forms through said slot by way of the sides thereof, controls for said feeding means effecting intermittent advancement of the strip with successive record forms being arrested in a recording position in said slot, and a control member eifective when actuated to operate said recording device, said member being operable either by said controls for said feeding means or by direct contact with 7 the leading edge of a record form inserted through the front of said slot.

6. Recording apparatus, including a mechanical check signing device having a lateral slot opening through the front and sides of the device, a strip supporting table installed in said slot and projecting through and beyond the front and sides thereof, strip feeding devices mounted on said table to advance a strip of series connected check forms through said slot by way of the sides thereof, said devices including rotary pin feeding means engageable with longitudinal series perforations in the strip, strip hold-down means in embracing relation to said rotary pin feeding means, other relatively elongated strip hold-down means extending in front of said slot, and a common mount for said hold-down means pivotally connected to said table.

7. In a recording apparatus for effecting mechanical imprinting upon check forms and the like having a selectively operable imprinting mechanism and a part movable to operate said mechanism, a strip feeding attachment supplying to said apparatus for imprint a continuous strip of series connected successive check forms, said attachment including a table over which said strip is passed, strip feeding mechanism mounted on said table, a dependent side flange on said table, a crank rotatably mounted on said flange and operatively connected to said strip feeding mechanism, detent means for arresting rotation of said crank to efiect a step by step advance of the strip, and a linkage mounted on said table and actuated by said crank in detented position for moving said mov able part.

8. Recording apparatus according to claim 7 characterized in that said linkage includes an element extending alongside said dependent flange, said detent means including an opening in said side flange through which said crank is engageable with said element.

9. In a recording apparatus for effecting mechanical imprinting upon check forms and the like, a strip feeding attachment supplying to said apparatus for imprint successive series connected check forms, said attachment including a table over which said strip is passed, flange portions on the sides of said table depending at right angles thereto, said portions being in substantially op posed relation to one another on opposite sides of said table and one thereof being substantially larger than the other, a shaft journaled between said opposing flange portions, pin wheel feed devices on said shaft and projecting through said table, said strip being formed with longi tudinal series of perforations engaged by said feed devices, a crank rotatably mounted on said one opposed flange portion, a gear train between said crank and said shaft, and an adjustable mounting in said one opposed flange portion for one of the gears in said gear train.

10. Recording apparatus, including an imprinting device having an imprinting station and selectively operable imprinting means, record form feeding means for supplying forms automatically to said station for imprinting thereon, record forms being also insertable into said station manually, means including a pressure sensitive member at said station for efiecting an operation of said imprinting means, and a connection from said feeding means to said member for intermittently operating said member, said pressure sensitive member being also operable by record forms inserted manually in said station.

11. Recording apparatus, including an imprinting device having an imprinting station and selectively operable imprinting means, record form feeding means for supplying forms automatically to said station for imprint ing thereon, record forms being also insertable into said station manually, means including a pressure sensitive member at said station for effecting an operation of said imprinting means, said member being movable either by record forms inserted in said station or by said feeding means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,744,771 Julius Jan. 28, 1930 2,176,690 Rudie Oct. 17, 1939 2,200,308 Sherman et a1. May 14, 1940 2,242,157 Waechter May 13, 1941 2,482,542 Hanrahan Sept. 20, 1949 2,516,899 Metzner Aug. 1, 1950 2,522,224 Hedinger Sept. 12, 1950 

